Tuesday, 19 July 2022

Pattern Review : Saltwhistle Top and Dress by Love Notions

 


Hello, today I am writing about the new pattern by Lovenotions called Saltwhistle. This pattern is a super cute square neckline top or dress pattern with a scalloped hem. The dress comes with three layers that are all attached at the waist (not to be mistaken with tiers which attach to the previous tier above it). This layer feature is super cool for colour blocking and eliminates the need for connector pieces as witha tiered dress.



In my version I only made the top and attached one layer to the bodice. See it in action over on my Instagram account

The neckline is squared in front and round in the back and finished with a facing. Each layer of the hem scallops are also finished with a facing.

Square Neckline

One of the best ways I learned to get the perfect square corners is to draw a line on your fabric at the corner or pivot point. You will sew up to that line , allow the needle to rest on the line you drew. Lift your presser foot, pivot and continue sewing. That way you maintain the seam allowance around the sharp corner and will have a clean finished scallop or neckline to show off.

Front Neckline shown with line markings and stitch line

Scallop shown with line markings and stitch line

If I were to rate this pattern I would say an adventerous beginner can accomplish sewing this pattern as long as you follow the steps as written. For a beautiful finish, do not skip pressing, trimming or understitching ! Sometimes these steps appear cumbersome but you will the end result!

The pattern calls for bias tape to finish the sleeveless version of the garment as well as to create the waist elastic casing. I made my own bias tape by cutting my fabric 1 1/2″ wide to achieve the same width as store bought bias tape.

All Love Notions patterns are drafted for the standard bust and a sepearate pattern for Full Bust options. For this pattern, darts are included in the Full Bust option to provided shape and structure if required.

The pattern comes with three sleeve options – sleeveless, puffed sleeves and bishop sleeves. I choose the puff sleeve options because it gives me more flexibility to wear it to work but also keeps me cool.

I used a challis rayon to make my top. Actually, this make was meant to be a muslin. For anyone who is new to sewing , a muslin is a sample garment that you will sew using inexpensive fabric just to see if the garment fits you well. Muslins are very important to identify fitting issues , and really should not be skipped. Thankfully for me, it turned out so beautiful, I did not need to sew another.

If you are interested in purchasing and sewing up this pattern. You can find it here XX and also get it for 10% off of the current price if you use the code DEBBIE10 at checkout.

Happy sewing and please let me know what you think about this super cute pattern .

This blog contains affiliate links . It costs you nothing and I would love you to use the links if you enjoyed reading this article.

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

INSULATED LUNCH BAG BY SO SEW EASY

Looking for another great gift idea?
The Insulated Lunch Bag by So Sew Easy is a great little pattern that is perfect for depleting your  small fabric scraps.
 I did not insulate mine though, instead I used heavy weight drapery fabric both for the lining and the exterior and it turned out just fine. 
The bias binding on the bag can be store bought or you can make your own. (I made mine :) )
The pattern comes with one pattern piece and the rest of the bag parts are cut from specifications provided in the pattern. But because I I love my pattern pieces,  I quickly drew up my squares so I can have them to use over and over again, because I do plan on making more!
 
The bag comes with written instructions as well as a full length video on how to make the bag, great for persons who love to watch and sew!
 
Check out the other tester bags on the So Sew Easy site and learn more about the pattern here.
 
Happy Sewing!




 

Sunday, 22 November 2015

Trudy's Twirl Dress by Grammies Doll



Check out the pattern in Theresa's GrammieslilDolls Etsy Shop.


 


SOCKS - AGAIN!!!



I got super jealous when I made  socks for my nephew a few weeks ago using the  Abby's Trailblazing Sock Pattern .
So it was definitely a happy socks moment  when Saskia opened up a tester call for the adult version and I was chosen to test again.
Now if you want a sewing project that takes 20 minutes (or less)  ,  uses fabric knit scraps  (a 24” x 15”    made my size 9 crew sock) , looks super cute, and  can be made for the entire family, you’ve got to get both the Abby's Trailblazing Sock Pattern  and the Adult version - Going Rouge Socks PDF Pattern designed by the The Wolf and the Tree
They make great Christmas gifts and who does not want to have unique socks to keep your feet warm and comfy. So guess what?? - buy the patterns and #sewallthesocks!!






Saturday, 14 November 2015

SOCKS



Who knew that making socks could be so easy !
 I was happy to have been chosen as a tester for the Abby’s TrailBlazing Socks designed by The Wolf and the Tree. These socks are perfect for knit scraps and easy to sew. They can be made for both boys and girls and there are lots of different lengths and styles. My version was the simple bobby socks because only my little nephew was on hand to test for and I live in a Tropical climate so I have no need for all the other gorgeous designs. However, the sock comes in so many different styles that you will  never need any other sock pattern for your kiddo as long as you have this one. Go over to her   Etsy store  and get the socks! 
Then join the  Facebook page  and check out what everyone else has to say about this pattern and post the numerous pairs you have made!
Happy Sewing!!



Tuesday, 1 September 2015

THE PENSACOLA BEACH PETAL TOP by SEASIDE NOTIONS



The Pensacola  Beach Petal Top by Seaside Notions is a sweet little top for all seasons. With its three sleeve options and cute  petal skirt, this  perfectly drafted pattern  will not disappoint.  An easy sew for any beginner, the pattern is easy to read with clearly drawn illustrations to guide you along.

The sizes range between 12 months and 12 years and  with  instructions  included for simple adjustments , you can easily  add length to the petals and   bodice for a  perfect.

You will also get the opportunity to “cutie-fy“  your little top by adding  lace (or whatever you fancy)  to the neck     ( I made a little ruffle out of fabric)  and  bias trim  to the petals for a truly unique look every time you make one.

Now what more could this pattern offer me that it didn’t already? Top of the list for me - it uses small amounts of fabric.  To give you an example, I used ¼ yard for the bodice and bodice lining and less than ½ yard for the petals.  This made me a size 3T with 5T skirt length.  I only had to make one button hole and the placket in the back was a breeze to make.
 Hope on over to the Facebook page or take a look at the pattern on the SeasideNotions website or blog for even more information and inspiration.

Happy Sewing!